The lawsuit against Porsche — problems with certain Boxster and 911 engines

Say the name Porsche and people will instinctively reply, ah, yes, fine cars, great handling, almost indestructible. Yes, well, almost.

That almost part is the subject of a class action lawsuit filed a year ago in federal court in Los Angeles against Porsche over the failure of the intermediate shaft bearing in some Boxster and 911 engines from the model years 2001-05. (For more details on what the intermediate shaft bearing is, and its function in the engine, see this explainer from Pelican Parts.)

Porsche has now reached a settlement with the Glendale (Calif.) law firm Knapp Petersen & Clarke, who filed the lawsuit. (Ed. note: an earlier version of this post incorrectly had the law firm in Pasadena. It’s in Glendale.) There’s more information about the controversy in this piece by Autoweek associate publisher and editorial director Dutch Mandel. Porsche owners who believe their cars are affected by the lawsuit can find more information about the settlement on this Web site, created by the plaintiffs’ attorneys, or by calling (818) 547-5100, or e-mailing info@IMSPorschesettlement.com. On the settlement Web site is a note that says, “last date to submit your claim for pre-notice damage or loss is 10/15/2013.” That’s only eight days from now.